Island Cruising NZ COVID-19 Landscape

Vanuatu © Island Cruising NZ

Wow! What an unexpected landscape we find ourselves in. If this was a normal year the 2020 Pacific Circuit Rally would be enjoying the magical attributes of the southern islands of Vanuatu and probably about to trek up to see the Mount Yasur volcano on Tanna. A truly amazing experience!

What a difference a few months makes in the evolution of life. Here at Island Cruising NZ we had many sleepless nights leading up to our announcements to put the rally on hold and then ultimately to cancel. Here is some rationale and thoughts as time goes by.

Firstly and ultimately our aim is to introduce cruisers to the delights that await us when visiting our South Pacific island near neighbours. However we want to do that responsibly and with respect to the communities, cultures and environment. And of course to have fun. As the pandemic started to unfold we followed the news items with close bated breath, soon realising that this was to impact on our business in a significant way. Our first thought was to the families we have visited in the past throughout our travels and tried to see the effect that the disease would have if it took hold in some of those secluded, out of the way places that we all enjoy so much.

What it would look like for the communities that share their houses with three and four generations, closely entwined together in isolated villages. One word; devastating. So the decision not to go ahead became simple. But then of course it all changed and the borders closed anyway. Their success in managing the situation proves the Island nations ability to protect what they value.

Tropical Cyclone Harold added to an already challenging situation with a devastating run through Vanuatu, Fiji and Tonga.

For one system to travel through three countries, creating havoc as it went is quite unusual. It became quickly apparent that none of the respective governments were prepared to risk allowing COVID-19 across their borders by opening up to allow cruiser aid to assist. Sterling work is being carried out by charities to help in these areas. Sea Mercy's no plastic water bottle approach by providing filtration is going well. They have also organised a number of fundraisers for particular requested aid.

The Nakamal fundraisers organised by Down Under Rally has hit its targets and the resources are being distributed now. Not surprisingly you cruisers are stepping up to the plate and meeting the challenges as they are set.

Many villagers that migrate from outlying island villages, particularly those in the tourism industry of Fiji, to the main centres particularly hotels, have needed to return to their villages due to the country's border closure. The knock on effect being a lack of logistics in feeding the swelled village numbers. A recent shout out from Susui, Vanuabalavu, in the Lau group of Fiji, was met by a chartered ship organised by mainland locals and Sea Mercy, funded again by a specific fundraiser with the targets met by you.

Normally an article summary gives a conclusion and a hypothesis of the process as things move forward. Not sure that we can do that this time; fingers crossed for a return to international cruising at some point, to a new normal. Whatever that is going to look like, lets ensure that we keep the sustainability, in every sense of the word, of the beautiful places we visit at the heart of our decisions. At time of writing Fiji has reopened its borders to yachts, but with strict guidelines to follow and entry is into Denerau Marina only.

We urge cruisers to consider carefully their decisions about cruising to ensure we follow rules and guidance and not effect long term plans with short term actions. Follow any published instructions carefully as they will be different to anything we have had to do before now. Stay well.

Fiji - photo © Island Cruising NZ